Thank you so much for taking the time to read my latest update.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many of you who took the time to respond to my survey regarding
how you have found the start of the new academic year. Your responses give us valuable insights. I have attached
the brief summary document to this Edulink update.
Surveys will never give the whole picture and will often reveal a range of views on the same subject that show
pleasing all is impossible. I did think having your feedback when there is so much time ahead in the year to
instigate potential changes was important. As a famous song once said, You can’t always get what you want, but
you can take a democratic opportunity to feed into the life of the school to have a voice. For this, I am incredibly
grateful.
Collective Worship
This week we have continued to look at Genesis and discussing the importance of trust as a core theme
throughout the bible. This week we focused on the story of Abraham and Sarah as an example of the challenges
but also rewards of trust. I think that the story is particularly important in a time where we live in such an instant
world. It might be me being old, but I think the value of waiting is something worth remembering.
Mrs Sage followed this up on Wednesday with a really inspiring look at personal examples of trust and how it
shapes our lives. Leaving our comfort zones is rarely something any of us find easy!
As always the maturity of pupil interactions, reflections and questions has been quite frankly incredible. I
sometimes think that it must be hard for those not witnessing it to believe it. If it wasn’t true then I wouldn’t say
it. I am proud of the way we have such an inclusive approach to Collective Worship that supports all, regardless
of their faith or opinion.
Prayer for the week
Our prayer for next week was written by Letty B:
Dear Lord
Teach us forgiveness for those who have sinned against us Teach us to be kind respectful
and to have love
Give us Our Daily Bread and our drink when we share with others
Amen
House and attendance update
With the majority of Houses improving their attendance this week it is really encouraging to see attendance
remain a strength of the school. Christie were the highest attenders this week which means it is incredibly tight
at the top of the overall attendance standings. Curie are definitely looking over their shoulders with reason to feel
anxious that they might be overtaken!
As the weather declines and tiredness kicks in we are really grateful for your support with attendance. We know
it can be challenging at times so thank you so much for your continued partnership. It is hugely appreciated.
Three and a half thousand House Points were given out which was a fantastic effort, well done all. Whilst
Attenborough had the most House Points in Years 6 and 7, they were beaten overall by Turing so congratulations
to them. Again I have to impress that the contribution of every pupil really matters as the difference between 5th
and 1st place was less than 1.5 House Points per pupil. It really is that close.
Pupil achievements
Well done to the top House Point achievers in each House:
Attenborough – Zachary B
Christie – Princeton D
Curie – Ruby W
Farah – Dominik G
Turing – Charlie R. Well done Charlie who was also our overall winner.
A massive congratulation goes to Charlie T who was our Oracy Champion of the week.
Fantastic effort from our Readers of the week this week – Matt W, Katie B and Heather L. Well done all!
Our wonderful Writers of the week were Jacob G, Luca V and Maddie P. Great work!
Well done to Freya OR who is our Artist of the week. The drawings below will leave you under no doubt as to why
this accolade has been achieved!
Huge congratulations to Amelia L who recently took part in a dance festival and reached three finals! Amazing
work, Amelia. You are smashing it!
Fire practice and lockdown reflection
Thank you so much for your support with our recent practice and reflection. Both events were very successful in
raising awareness. Pupils followed staff instructions and I am very pleased to say that both events were
successful. I am aware that these events can cause some concern amongst pupils, so I am grateful, as always,
for the superb work of staff in managing both events.
Careers day, RE enrichment day and Friday 23rd October
Just a further reminder that Wednesday 21st October and Thursday 22nd October for Careers and RE enrichment
days that PE kit is not required as normal lessons are suspended for the exciting programme of events we have
planned. Full school uniform is required for these events. Friday 23rd October the school is closed for Inset Day.
NHS support
I am delighted that staff cake sales last week raised £180 for Haven, an incredible NHS support unit in Worcester.
This was a great effort from staff, but a huge shout out must go to the amazing Mrs Comack who coordinated and
sorted this event. This was yet another fantastic example of our distinct Christian vision being lived out in our
school community.
Weather changes
Whilst the weather has been very mild since we have returned, we are much more likely to encounter rain on a
more regular basis so please ensure that your child has a coat wherever possible.
At break and lunch we will always try to have pupils outside for the break that their mental and physical health
need so in the event of drizzle for example we will be outside typically. Obviously in the event of rain we will be
inside but sometimes it is a flip of the coin judgement call, so coats are especially important.
School photos
Thank you so much for your support with making the logistical nightmare of school photos work so well. Dr Allan
always does such an incredible job, but it is very complex and problematic, so the support of the community in
assisting is greatly appreciated.
Mobile phone reminder
Whilst phones are given back in tutor rooms it is important that phones are not turned on until pupils leave the
school. We have had to remind several pupils recently not to use their phone as they are walking out of school.
This isn’t us being pedantic, it is an important part of our safeguarding responsibility. Please do ensure that you
remind and support the importance of no phones on until outside the school grounds.
National Year of Reading 2026 gift from Her Majesty The Queen
As a passionate advocate for literacy, and inspired by the National Year of Reading 2026, Her Majesty The Queen
wanted to give children a personal gift at the end of the year to help inspire a love of reading. This initiative means
that every year 6 child will be gifted a special edition for free of the award-winning children’s book, Impossible
Creatures.
The initiative aims to create a shared national reading moment that brings children together around a single book
at the same time, and at a crucial point in their reading lives when research shows their engagement with reading
declines most steeply.
These books will be handed out in English lessons over the coming weeks for your child to take home and keep.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Tutino (Head of English) [email protected]
On the subject of reading, I am delighted that I will be welcoming Marion Griffiths into school next week. Marion
is representing Evesham Town Council who generously gave us £100 for new books so I am very much looking
forward to meeting her and showing her what we have purchased. As a school we are always so humbled by the
many generous acts of support that we receive.
Year 6 National Health Screening
Every year the NHS complete a national survey for Year 6 pupils. Letters will be forthcoming to Year 6
parents/carers regarding this but as an advance notice our week will be the week of Monday 30th November.
Pupils will be completing the questionnaire in their Computing lesson, with the exception of 6AC who will use
one of their Food lessons to complete the questionnaire.
Peer review day
Next Friday I am delighted that we will be joined by senior colleagues from Alvechurch and Westacre Middle
Schools as they support our ongoing review of our curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment policy and
practice. They are keen to learn from what we do and whilst we are proud to share what we do, we are also looking
forward to hearing their thoughts and ideas too. One of the many reasons why the school is in such a strong place
is our collaborative work, so this is another great example of this in action.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes
Mr Collard
Headteacher